Indian SC Declares Abrogation of Article 370 Unconstitutional: BJP’s Broken Promise, Says Chidambaram

Kashmir Legal and Political Crisis

The ongoing legal and political turmoil surrounding Jammu and Kashmir has intensified, with senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram accusing the BJP-led government of breaching its promises. The Supreme Court recently ruled that the Modi government’s revocation of Article 370 was unconstitutional, which further exposes the BJP’s failure to uphold its commitments.

Supreme Court’s Verdict on Article 370

Chidambaram clarified that the Supreme Court did not validate the abrogation of Article 370 but struck down the government’s actions, including changes to Article 367 and 370(3). The Court upheld the application of the Indian Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370(1), but did not accept the government’s alterations to its status.

Failure to Restore Statehood: A Betrayal of Trust

The BJP promised to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024, but despite elections, the region remains a Union Territory. Chidambaram criticized the ruling party for not fulfilling this key promise, which he says has led to a sense of betrayal among the people of Kashmir.

Denial of Statehood: Growing Discontent in Kashmir

The lack of statehood remains a central grievance for Kashmiris. Chidambaram pointed out that the government’s failure to deliver on its promise to restore statehood has only intensified disillusionment among the people, adding to the sense of political alienation in the region.

Pahalgam Attack: Silence Deepens Frustration

Chidambaram highlighted the Pahalgam attack and the government’s silence on the arrests as evidence of growing frustration. This inaction has only deepened the people’s disillusionment, showing that the authorities’ neglect further fuels public anger.

Supreme Court’s Role in Upholding Justice

Chidambaram urged the Supreme Court to stay focused on the constitutional issue and not be distracted by ongoing political or security concerns. He emphasized that justice must be delivered swiftly and that the BJP must be held accountable for its unfulfilled promises to the Court and the Kashmiri people.

Global Call for a UN-Backed Kashmir Resolution

An international conference in Brussels, titled Jammu and Kashmir in the Current International Political Scenario, brought together diplomats, political leaders, and activists to discuss the Kashmir dispute. Participants unanimously called for a UN-backed solution to ensure a peaceful and just resolution to the issue.

Pakistan’s Unwavering Support for Kashmir

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi stressed that lasting peace in South Asia is impossible without resolving the Kashmir dispute. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent political, diplomatic, and moral support for Kashmir’s right to self-determination, aligning with international commitments.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Focus on Climate and Kashmir

Kundi also briefed European officials on Pakistan’s climate-related losses while advocating for the Kashmir cause. This dual focus on human rights and environmental issues shows Pakistan’s broader diplomatic strategy to raise awareness of its challenges and those of Kashmir.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Consistency on Kashmir

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the EU, Rahim Hayat Qureshi, reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance on Kashmir and its commitment to the Kashmiri struggle. He assured continued diplomatic and moral support for Kashmiris, making it clear that Pakistan’s position on Kashmir remains unchanged.

Highlighting Kashmir’s Human Rights Violations

Ali Raza Syed, Chairman of the Kashmir Council Europe, emphasized the ongoing human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir, calling for stronger international pressure on India. He urged the global community to take concrete action to end the oppression faced by the Kashmiri people.

Global Pressure Needed for Kashmir Resolution

Conference participants appealed to the European Union and the international community to play an active role in achieving a fair resolution to the Kashmir conflict. They called for the UN Security Council to ensure that India adheres to international law and fulfills its commitments to the Kashmiri people.

Kashmir: A Visual Chronicle

At the conference, Belgian journalist Cedric Gerbehaye presented his book Kashmir: Wait and See, which offers a photographic account of life in Kashmir. The book highlights the harsh realities faced by Kashmiris under Indian rule and serves as a powerful tool for advocacy, drawing international attention to the ongoing human rights violations.

Conclusion: The Urgent Need for Global Intervention

The ongoing crisis in Jammu and Kashmir requires urgent attention from both the Indian government and the international community. The Supreme Court’s ruling against the unconstitutional revocation of Article 370, combined with the denial of statehood, exposes the BJP’s political failure. There is an urgent need for international diplomatic pressure to address the human rights violations and ensure a just resolution in line with international law. Only through coordinated global efforts can lasting peace and justice be achieved for the people of Kashmir.